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Author
Topic: Erection Problems!! (Read 3897 times)

I was diagnosed 4 yrs ago and ever since I started taking my drugs, I ave suffered from erection no show...I get depressed sometimes and being an african doesnt help as basically a man that cant get his penis up is no good. I am married and my partner is supportive although I sense a bit of disappointment, that her man cant provide in the bedroom. I am now on my third combination and my cd4 is low my consultant an optimist says my erection problems will disapear when my cd4 count goes up???I am not keen on the viagras etc, is there any natural products that I can use? that will not affect my health?

if any one as experienced my probems or has any advice pls do share. And when I get it up will be the first to know

You'd think that having HIV would be enough trouble without it extending into the bedroom, but sometimes it does and there are things you can do. First, talk with your doc (and do tests if necessary) to see if there are any physical reasons for your ED. One thing to really check is your testosterone level, because even if you test in the range, you may be one of those men who needs higher levels.

My testosterone was in the normal range, but still we upped my levels by my taking weekly shots. The difference was remarkable. My point is that you don't just have to accept this and so the best place to start is with your doc.

There is a natural product from Africa it’s the bark of the Yohimbe tree, and can be purchased in capsule form, Google YOHIMBE, I would seriously be cautious with it, Personally I would stay away from it, as I regard it dangerous, I am only mentioning it in case you come across it in your search, it will push your blood out to the extremities of the body and give you the desired affect, but it can make the heart pump rapidly and give a feeling of having a heart attack, some body builders use it to pump up, also if you google “Yohimbe and HIV” there is a lot of information.I have a friend who tried it, and he really thought he was dying, and he was a very fit gym rat.

Just a side note on the yohimbe bark extract. It is formulated as a prescription medication here in the U.S. and is used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. If you buy the over-the-counter yohimbe extract supplements, you can't be sure how much of the active ingredient you're getting. Using the prescription form should alleviate any worries you might have concerning how much to take.

I myself have taken the prescription form, although not for treatment of HIV-related ED. (I was having ED as a result of the various antidepressants I was on.) My recollection is that it is modestly effective. The only problem is that it must be taken three times a day every day, so the dosing regimen is not ideal.

Having used Viagra as well, I can tell you that Viagra is far more effective. I would certainly recommend Viagra over yohimbe extract, since Viagra can be taken on an "as needed" basis.

Finally, I agree that you need to have your testosterone checked. Since I was infected my free testosterone level has dropped a lot, although it's still in the normal range. There seems to be no end to the adverse effects that this virus has on the body.

I must admit that you are a brave soul to introduce a topic such as this on the Forum. There is reason for your dysfunction. My best advice would be to consult with your Doctor first, mainly because you are on anti-viral meds and they don't mix so well with other things.

Actually this forum is a great place for him to use as a sounding board for advice, after all many of us may or may not have faced a same or similar issue. Of course talking with your doctor is a priority, but as has been pointed out numerous times on the forums, sometimes they don't have a clue. His doctur suggested his problem might be fixed by an increase in cd4 count, maybe it will, but it's hardly an immune related disorder.

I just wanted to say that these forums are just perfect for discussion of ANY health related problems, we with HIV/AIDS face, we usually tell people to get their arse to the doctors anyway, or at least find a doctor who's knowledge base is up to date. I'd rather get my advice from people living with HIV who might have experienced similar, and got by it, than go to a text book HIV negative Doctor.

Actually, this is a very good place to discuss this problem, as I am sure many of us have experienced it.

My worst time, for erectile Dysfunction, was back in 2003, and just prior to starting on medication. My t-cells were also at 16 back then, and there was no was possible that I could get an erection.

After starting on meds, things had improved greatly. There are still some times, when I have a little difficulty, but Taking everything into consideration, including my age (54) things are not that bad.

As others had already suggested, talk to your doctor about it. Your doctor will understand, and will get you guided in the proper direction. There are many things that can cause this problem, and yes, depression is one of the causes.

Cubbybear: "I just wanted to say that these forums are just perfect for discussion of ANY health related problems, we with HIV/AIDS face, we usually tell people to get their arse to the doctors anyway, or at least find a doctor who's knowledge base is up to date. I'd rather get my advice from people living with HIV who might have experienced similar, and got by it, than go to a text book HIV negative Doctor."........................................................................................................Well, true....discussing the problem here is a good idea. Because there are so many people who have had some experience with it.But finding out what exactly is wrong...( if anything) is up to the doctor(s) involved. Testosterone levels need to to checked for instance. A close review of the meds being taken and side effects, as well as a psychological work up are desirable avenues to explore. I can tell you all that my partner of 13 years has been this route and has tried several different medications as well as hormones and nothing was satisfactory: ie the side effects of the drugs he was taking to CORRECT the erectile problem were intolerable. So we just have to live with the erectile failure. He will take Viagra on occasion but since he almost had a heart attack last year from cholesterol induced clogged arteries ( from the lipodystrophy) he has been reluctant to take Viagra a lot.I wish you luck with this problem and yes seek support here on AIDMEDS, these guys are great.